PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA -- We've been using Pleasant Hills Pet Hospital (owned and operated by VetCor-350 Lincoln Place, Hingham, MA-a network of 65 veterinary hospitals) for our animals health care for around a decade. Their prices have remained reasonable, the staff and doctor turnover is low, they have been consistently good with their care & information and they've provided emergency service, outside of normal business hours, when we needed it. The staff and doctors have always been compassionate and have taken a personal interest in our pets well-being.

When one of our cats was ill and looked like he was going to cash in, the doctor discovered a small infection between his toes that had gotten into his blood stream. They put a good dose of antibiotic in him and the tough old SOB lived to be 18. Our dog was 11 and found to have cancer behind her right ear and the doctor (always the same one) gave information on treatment options, ranging from a dicey operation and radiation to maintaining a regimen of pain pills (although we were able to discern that there was little or no pain associated with the condition). We opted for the pills and she was able to make it one more year until I found that the tumor was inhibiting her ability to walk and eat. I had to take her in at 7 AM, meet the vet and see her off.

They refused to charge me for the emergency service. We currently trust our Manx's health care to them and they continue to do a fine job for us. I just had the fat (he's apparently 'obese') furball in for his annual rabies and exam and they gave us their usual good service. All in all, we're pretty happy with these folks.

I also am well pleased with the clinic I use. Four veterinarians on staff (they are partners) and not associated with a network but if you ever find a practice you are pleased with there is no need to shop around. I've been told by others the practice I use is often pricier than many in my area but I'm content and that's as far as it goes.

Unfortunately I've had to have some of my pets put down through the years. Never was I charged a penny for the procedure and actually received a handwritten sympathy card along with notification a donation had been made to the local shelter in my pet's name. It sounds silly but I certainly appreciated it.

Nice compliment Alain for the practice you utilize.

Posted by MRM on 2012-06-18:

Very informative, Alain! Helpful to those who live in the Pittsburgh area.

Posted by T on 2012-06-18:

Excellent review, and it sounds like these folks are at the top of their game.

I am very pleased with my vet in 3 years of patronage. A relative has had bad luck over in NJ, where all the vets he has found seem to charge high rates and find extra things to bill.

There is nothing quite as satisfying as a good relationship with a vet!

Posted by Thelma on 2012-06-18:

A most excellent review Alain. A good Vet who is knowledgeable and cares about the animals is a rare find. You are to be commended for the excellent medical care that you have provided for your dog and cats.

Posted by D. on 2012-06-18:

Alain, you can always tell what vets are in it for the money and what vets are in it for the animal.

My Nephew lives in Monroeville, I'll recommend this place for his horse, uhhh...I mean his big doggy!